Scientist - PlantBreeding
ICRISAT seeks applications from dynamic Global professionals for Scientist Position and the incumbent will be based at ICRISAT Matapos, Zimbabwe. The position is within the East & Southern Africa Research Program and will report to the Cluster leader, Crop Breeding in the Global Research Program Accelerated Crop Improvement and work together with Cluster Leader Seed system and Country Representative, Zimbabwe.
ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi- arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion people and 644 million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower these disadvantaged populations to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agricultural production systems.
ICRISAT is headquartered at Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT envisions a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. Its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics. ICRISAT conducts research on its mandate crops of chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet in the arid and semi-arid tropics. The Institute focuses its work on the drylands and in protecting the environment. Tropical dryland areas are usually seen as resource-poor and perennially beset by shocks such as drought, thereby trapping dryland communities in poverty and hunger and making them dependent on external aid. Please visit - www.icrisat.org
Position Objective:
Scientist (Plantbreeding) is responsible for selecting breeding populations and lines; testing (METs); and associated seed systems for their delivery to national partners and business. The Scientist will use crop breeding methods that integrate molecular breeding tools into germplasm development and seed purity, speed breeding, and new tools and techniques, leading and supporting strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities:
Lead the ICRISAT?s breeding research initially focusing on legumes for ESA countries, aiming to enhance productivity and smallholder income in the region through close collaboration with the breeding team at HQ
Optimize the genetic gain model to achieve higher rates of genetic improvement
Evaluate early-generation breeding material and advanced-generation trials for various crops in Zimbabwe. Compile data and nominate breeding materials to the national systems in Zimbabwe for varietal release
Organize multi-environment testing (METs) of legumes and dryland cereals in ESA countries
Strengthen the seed system for various crops in Zimbabwe and other ESA countries in collaboration with the Cluster Leader, Seed System, Global Research Program Accelerated Crop Improvement
Apply modern plant breeding techniques to establish a robust breeding pipeline, initially for leggmes. This includes developing product profiles, optimizing breeding schemes, utilizing genotyping, automation, mechanization, and appropriate breeding software to increase genetic gain rates and operational efficiency
Participate in cross-functional, multidisciplinary design teams to develop product profiles aligned with customer demands. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and key players in seed systems to ensure impact
Analyze, summarize, interpret, and disseminate experiment data as necessary. Regularly update all breeding nurseries and testing data (trials) on the Breeding Management System (BMS).
Prepare reports and research papers for publication in reputable journals in collaboration with partners within and outside of ICRISAT
Lead project development, budget control, time management, and resource mobilization for ICRISAT and partners involved in legumes improvement and associated crop management in ESA, aiming to enhance livelihood opportunities for the poor
Contribute to the R4D agenda and foster the development of strategic partnerships for legumes.
Establish robust strategic connections with national governments and funding agencies within the country
Strengthen the capacity building of partners in the region through demonstrations, degree and non-degree training programs
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, including molecular geneticists, physiologists, pathologists, entomologists, agronomists, socio-economists, seed systems specialists, and technology transfer experts from ICRISAT both at Headquarters and in the East and Southern Africa Region, National Agricultural Research Institutes, development partners, and most importantly, with the breeder team at HQ
Ensure the implementation of breeding experiments (initially for legumes), testing for all mandated crops, and seed system activities according to agreed plans and schedules
Identify and address quality issues in the development of new products in alignment with agreed product profiles
Foster a culture of continuous improvement for both oneself and team members
Requirement:
Hold a PhD in Agriculture with specialization in Genetics & Plant Breeding
Possess approximately 5 years of post-PhD experience (or a minimum of 10 years of total work experience) in crop improvement operations specifically in field crops. Previous experience in crop breeding and improvement research is advantageous
Have a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
General:
This is a contractual role for a period of 36 months (3 years).
How to apply:
Applicants should apply on or before 27 March 2024, with their latest Resume, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer